Here are some more common
idioms and expressions with
body parts. This group uses shoulder or shoulders:
expression |
|
meaning |
| shoulder to shoulder |
|
standing side by side and
touching (at the sides) |
| |
|
|
give someone the
cold shoulder |
|
treat someone as if you
do not know him / her;
snub or shun someone |
| |
|
|
put one's shoulder
to the wheel |
|
work very energetically |
| |
|
|
stand head and
shoulders above _____ |
|
(1) be noticeably taller than
others in the same place (literal)
(2) be noticeably better
than others (figurative)
|
| |
|
|
straight from
the shoulder |
|
describes remarks that were
made frankly (and which
might be embarrassing because
they criticize or rebuke someone) |
| |
|
|
| have broad shoulders |
|
(1) have wide shoulders
(literal)
(2) be able to manage
heavy responsibilities
(figurative)
|
________________________________________________________
Special Note:
Shoulder also has meanings in addition to
the common one
('the
place where the arms join the trunk of the body'):
| 1. |
|
to
carry or bear (especially something heavy or
something that involves a great deal
of responsibility) |
| |
|
|
| 2. |
|
surface
at the side of a road or highway |
|
